At a meeting with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath, Zeng said the Chinese government and people were greatly concerned about the Middle East situation, and happy about the recent positive changes.

China appreciated the positive Palestinian efforts for the resumption of talks, and Palestinian leaders' sincerity and courage to that end, said Zeng.

He pointed out that it was crucial to settle Palestine-Israel disputes, and both sides should seize the opportunity and actively cooperate with the international community's efforts for peace.

He said China had always supported the just cause of Palestine and was one of the earliest countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine, and was also an active exponent of the Middle East peace process.

Shaath spoke highly of the bilateral traditional friendship and briefed Zeng on the latest developments in the Middle East.

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2003)